Ol Doinyo Lengai, often called the "Mountain of God," is an active volcano located in northern Tanzania and is a must-visit for adventurous travelers. Towering over the Great Rift Valley, this majestic peak is unique due to its lava composition. Unlike most volcanoes that produce molten lava, Ol Doinyo Lengai emits natrocarbonatite lava, which is unusually cool and flows like water. This rare phenomenon makes it one of the most intriguing volcanic landscapes on Earth.
Antsirabe is a highland city in central Madagascar, known for its cool climate, broad streets, thermal springs, and distinctive cycle rickshaws called pousse-pousse. Located in a fertile agricultural region, it serves as an important center for farming, crafts, and local trade. The surrounding landscape includes rice fields, volcanic hills, and cultivated countryside, while the city itself has a more orderly layout than many other Malagasy towns.
Morro Bay is a coastal city on California’s Central Coast, situated around a natural harbor between San Luis Obispo and the Pacific Ocean. Its most recognizable landmark is Morro Rock, a large volcanic plug rising at the entrance to the bay. The city’s waterfront includes fishing docks, marinas, beaches, and a working harbor, while wetlands and dunes surround parts of the shoreline.
Lake Atitlán, nestled in the Guatemalan Highlands, is a breathtaking destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, indigenous culture, and adventure. Formed in a massive volcanic crater, this lake is often touted as the most beautiful in the world, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, verdant hills, and three towering volcanoes: San Pedro, Tolimán, and Atitlán.
Bora Bora, often referred to as the "Jewel of the South Seas," is the epitome of tropical luxury. Nestled in the Society Islands of French Polynesia, this idyllic island is famed for its stunning turquoise lagoon, ringed by a barrier reef and dotted with overwater bungalows.
Located on the banks of the Danube, Spitz an der Donau is a charming market town in Austria's Wachau valley. Occupied since Celtic times, Spitz offers spectacular views of the Danube valley. Picturesque Renaissance and Baroque houses line quaint cobblestone streets at the foot of Tausendeimerberg (the "Hill of a Thousand Buckets), so named for its abundant vineyards. To the south, towering above Spitz is the famous fortress of Hinterhaus Castle, the thousand-year-old ruins of which are in fine condition and only a short hike away. History buffs will also want to visit the late Gothic church, St. Mauritius, which houses the wooden Apostles statues that date back to 1380, and a high altarpiece painting by Austrian artist Kremser Schmidt.
Other Popular Destinations in Austria
Vienna
Vienna has a long memory. Once the capital of the Habsburg Empire, the city still carries signs of its imperial past in its palaces, concert halls, and wide boulevards. Visitors can walk through the Hofburg complex, where emperors once ruled, or tour the opulent rooms of Schönbrunn Palace, which features 1,441 rooms and a maze in its gardens. But Vienna’s many historic buildings now house contemporary art museums, cafés, and institutions that reflect the city’s modern identity.
Dürnstein
West of Vienna, the quaint town of Dürnstein lies on the banks of the iconic Danube and is the perfect destination for river cruising, sightseeing, and enjoying the best of Austrian culture. Though small, this picturesque village offers plenty to see and do.